Sponsored Post: Whether you are hosting a wine party or looking for the perfect pairing for your dinner party menu, we’ve teamed up with Sonoma-Cutrer to provide wine inspiration for your next gathering.
Check out these two appetizer spreads, roasted beet hummus and honey ricotta dip, that are light enough for your winter refresh, but still cozy and pair well with wine. A perfect reason to get together with a friend this season or even just stay in.
I know I’m not alone when I say I massively overdid it during the holidays, but! That does not mean we need to stop getting together over food and drinks until next December. 
In fact for me, it means the opposite. I’m all for extending the celebrations into this new year, rather than heading straight into hibernation mode now that December is a thing of the past.
That being said, we have felt a very real need to get back to more mindful and plant-focused eating habits, and in the spirit of keeping the party going, while also realizing everyone is desperately trying to dial it back after holiday indulgence, I was inspired to share our favorite standbys for a lighter spread. Our Beet Hummus with Seeds, and super simple Honey Ricotta with Black Salt taste decadent, but are on the lighter side, work great for a crowd, and of course pairs seamlessly with a bottle, or two of wine.
We paired everything here with Sonoma-Cutrer’s Pinot Noir, and were blown away by the quality and versatility of the wine. I find myself leaning towards Pinot more and more frequently as of late, whereas it’s a always been a favorite of Robert’s. As I’m sure you know by now, we are dangerously teetering into the wine nerd category. Just ask the wine shelf, actually 3 wine shelves in our basement. During our honeymoon in Northern California I had an abundant opportunity to expand my palette for Pinot, but it wasn’t until more recently that I started to really appreciate it thoroughly. The Vine Hill Pinot we featured here pairs amazingly well with root vegetables, making it the perfect compliment of the beet hummus.
Fresh Appetizer: Wine Paired with Roasted Beet Hummus and Honey Ricotta Dip
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant roasted beet hummus paired with a creamy honey ricotta dip offers a delightful balance of earthy and sweet flavors, perfect for a cozy appetizer spread that pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir.
Ingredients
ROASTED BEET HUMMUS WITH SEEDS
- 1 bunch beets (about 4-5 (stems removed and cleaned))
- 15 oz can garbanzo beans
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbs tahini
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbs olive oil (divided)
- salt and pepper
TOASTED SEED TOPPING
- 1 tsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp flax seeds
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
HONEY RICOTTA DIP WITH BLACK SEA SALT
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbs honey
- 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- black sea salt
EXTRA BITES FOR THE SPREAD
- Lentil Crackers
- Toasted Baguette with Olive Oil
- Cut veggies
- Red Currants
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Seckel Pears
- Pomegranate Seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cleaned beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast the beets in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut them into chunks.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted beets, garbanzo beans, lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini, and the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beet hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with assorted seeds for added texture and flavor.
- For the honey ricotta dip, mix the ricotta cheese with honey in a small bowl until well combined. Season with black salt to taste.
- Serve the roasted beet hummus and honey ricotta dip with your choice of crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks. Pair with a glass of Pinot Noir for an enhanced flavor experience.
Notes
For a smoother hummus, blend longer or add a bit more olive oil. The beet hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The honey ricotta dip is best served fresh. Experiment with different seeds for garnish to add variety and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup hummus and 1/4 cup ricotta dip
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 15
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of seeds can I use in the roasted beet hummus?
You can use a variety of seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds to add texture and flavor to the roasted beet hummus.
How can I achieve the right consistency for the honey ricotta dip?
To get the right consistency for the honey ricotta dip, mix the ricotta cheese thoroughly with honey until smooth; you can add a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner texture.
What wine pairs best with the roasted beet hummus and honey ricotta dip?
We recommend pairing these appetizers with Sonoma-Cutrer’s Pinot Noir, which complements the flavors of both dips beautifully.
